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Friday, June 15, 2007

Your first round pick is ... a return specialist

The Dolphins hope for great things out of Ted Ginn Jr. and that's understandable because he is, after all, the team's first round pick and a high pick at that.

But during this offseason the team showed its hand on a strategy for breaking in Ginn that may continue through training camp -- or at least the early part of camp.

Seems Ginn is a punt and kickoff return specialist. No more, no less. That's it for now.

“We have a plan and that starts as a punt returner and a kick returner and then taking every day one day at a time," Coach Cam Cameron said this week. "...Then you go through training camp and you just grind away and grind away and grind away. I don’t know any other way, I think we made some progress as a punt and kick returner for sure.”

That is not a problem if you believe the Dolphins did right in using their first-rounder on a returner.

But what Cameron is not telling you is that Ginn is simply not yet ready to be an NFL-caliber receiver. His routes are not crisp, he obviously doesn't know the playbook (which is expected), and he has NO CLUE how to get off the line of scrimmage against press coverage.

It will take some time before all of that sinks in for the rookie. At best, it will be late in the season before Ginn starts to make a mark at receiver. More likely it will take him his entire rookie season to figure it out and we'll have to check back with him next year at WR.

Worst case?

The guy is Desmond Howard, a speedy, smallish, collegiateplaymaker whose skills translated from the Big 10 to the NFL on special teams but not so as a receiver. I cringed, by the way, when Cameron mentioned Ginn and Howard in the same breath recently.

Howard was an OK player, but if I remember my draft history correctly, he was a bust because he was taken with the No. 4 overall selection. That is way overpaying for a special teams guy.

The Dolphins can take solace that they have in Ginn a player that will contribute immediately. Maybe the guy can actually a break a couple this year on special teams. But unless he turns into the second coming of Devin Hester, folks will be wondering how soon Miami will get more out of Ginn to live up to his draft pedigree.

And this is remembering that Chicago did not need a first round pick to take Hester.

So here's hoping Ginn Jr. overcomes his growing pains and learns to be a top receiver sooner rather than later. Because even the No. 9 overall selection is too high a price to pay for a special teams player.

106 Comments:

Anonymous said...

Mando:

Fair enough but this is nothing new concerning Ginn. We've known he was going to take time to develop as a receiver given his raw abilities. But show me how many WR's picked high EVER make an immediate impact their rookie year? The Dolphins are rightfully looking beyond just this year. And to be fair, his speed vs. Howard's is no contest. Ginn's speed is special and if he can break a KR or PR once a game for big yardage, isn't that as good as a big play in the passing game? Field position is huge and he could help that immediately. And to say he's clueless on how to get off of press coverage, I doubt that to be true. It will take some time to adjust but there are PLENTY of under 190 lb receivers in the NFL that do it and I GUARANTEE he's quicker and faster than near all of them.

Armando, I agree the Ginn pick was very curious. I think they had decided they were not going to pick Quinn and were after Levi Brown. When the Cardinals picked Brown with the 5th pick it sent our camp reeling back to the big board and somehow they settled on Ginn.

Truth is most WRs don't do well in the 1st year so maybe it is expected that he will be more of what they were hoping for in the second year.

My concern would be that he gets injured playing special teams as we have seen happen with a lot of players. Tommy Vigorito comes to mind. I sure hope Cameron and Mueller were correct on this pick because I am not impressed.

Many rookies, and most WRs, take a year to adjust to the NFL. So what's so different about Ginn? Oh yeah, he can contribute immediately as a KR/PR while the team waits for his development at WR.On second thought, I agree with Armando, we should've taken a player who would take a year to develop at his position and has no value on Special Teams. That makes much more sense.What a terrible argument. Are you so hard up for some controversy to sell copy that you're still harping on this?

Armando: Do you think Miami will go after Kendall from the Jets? Regardless of what changes have been made, we still need help on the O-Line. I think Kendall will bring a tenacity to go along with ?Satale? This rookie looks like he is ready to WIN!!

My Opinion on Ginn. If you can out run the defense, you dont need to run routes. Let Green 'Heave' the ball as far as he can, and let Ginn run under it. Let Chambers, Booker, Hagan run the routes, let Ginn run VERTICLE! Thats what Moss and Culpepper did in their 'Hey Days'

I totally agree with the other posting here that WR rookies hardly ever make an impact. Consensus and stats support that it's not until their 3rd year when they begin to make a difference (http://www.fftoday.com/articles/waldman/gc_third_year_wrs.htm). The fact that Ginn can contribute to the team immediately on special teams is a bonus, not the reason he was drafted. Mando, I suggest you try to see the larger picture of what Cam is doing and hold off several years before dogging this year's draft.

To me, the bottom line is he will be a gamebreaker. Sometimes, having just one of those on your team can win you games. We have not had a player like that in a long while. He will be able to do this in many ways and can change momentum in a flash. Plus, with our defense we can now win those field possesion games that we lost before. If there is one thing that is ture, it's SPEED KILLS!

As someone who has watched most of the Buckeye games over the past few years, I am pretty certain many of you are underestimating Ginn. When he gets the ball in his hands during gametime big things happen, it will be no different here. He is not only fast in a straight line he moves sideways very fast and can stop or change direction on a dime. It will be a good year, quit echoing the ramblings of know nothing pundits and wait and see with your own eyes.

Honestly, I'm not comforatble with seeing the team pay a return specialist, number one wide receiver money. Which is the type of money Ginn will probably get when he signs his contract. Let's hope Ginn comes as advertised!

Come on, Armando, citing 7 rookie WRs in the past however many years who have been productive in Year 1 hardly proves that rookie WRs don't need time to develop. The point is that, by and large, the draft is about finding players who can positively affect your team. Not starting in Year 1 doesn't make Ginn a bust. How many players available at 9 would've stepped in and started this year? Certainly not Quinn or any other offensive player. There were several defenders who could've been on the field quickly, but would people have been any happier if their offensively challenged team took another defensive player in the first?The team needed to go heavy on offense in this draft, and they did. Having Ginn on the field will help the offense more than his numbers will show, too. Just having his speed on one side of the field forces safeties to play the deep part of the field. And he doesn't have to be a polished route runner to create mismatches by going in motion and moving around, as Cameron has already talked about.I just don't think having a man-crush on Quinn means you have to knock the Ginn pick every chance you get. Everyone knows how you feel, let's see what happens on the field.

Fact of the matter is Armondo, many players taken in the top 10 and first round need to develop PERIOD!!! Do you think Russell will be an all world QB this year? Did Mario Williams set the world on fire last year? MOST draft picks take at least a year, unless you are an all world RB - see Reggie Bush or maybe Adrian Peterson this year, or an offensive line-men, fact of the matter is, rookie WR, DB's and QB's for the most part struggle the first year. At least he will have a chance to contribute right away on special teams, and if he does break a couple for a TD or big gains does that mean nothing? I am guessing the most sure thing from this years draft will be Joe Thomas and Calvin Johnson (he's a freak!) other than that, tell me who will make an immediate contribution?

This is the NFL, and speed RULES. No, Ginn won't be lining up this year at flanker or wide-out to run drags, slants, posts, etc etc. But you can bet our innovative offensive play caller (the head coach) will have a package of plays to get the ball in Ginn's hands and let his speed go to work. Think reverses, screens, pitches, maybe even a drect snap now and then. So 4 to 5 offensive touches plus special team touches, every one of them a potential score? Every coach in the league would love to have that in their quiver!

Armando is mad because he didn't predict they'd pick Ginn. The Dolphins made him look bad and he's afraid people won't pay attention to his future predictions, just like all the other writers who were harping on wildman Quinn. At least they can use Ginn while he prepares for the receiver position. Watch how much the Browns use Quinn. Zilch. Writers should do what they do best: write stories. Quit acting like you're more knowledgeable than General Managers and Head Coaches,because you're not.

So we are revisiting this topic agian. I don't like the pick as well Armando. If we were aiming for rec. we should've done everything possible to get Calvin Johnson. If that wasn't possible we should've traded down and got more picks!!! I'm not doubting Ginn's talent but I think we made a major reach for him!! And as I've said in the past I'm playing the wait and see role this year!! Cause I honestly don't agree with the new regime but they know more than me RIGHT?? We'll see when the seasons starts!!! DOLPHINS FOR LIFE!!!!

I saw Ginn play 3 times in college. 2 were when Texas played OSU and the Championship game . My impression watching him vs Texas was he was exceptionally quick but was no match for tough press coverage. Year 1 the combination of Michael Huff and Cedric Griffin shut him down by jamming him often and not giving him any room to use his speed. Year 2 Aaron Ross bought a stutter step and Ginn flew to a touchdown and broke my heart. This left the impression with me that if he can get off the initial contact he can fly and make plays. I think the Championship game has been discussed to exhaustion. Thus, I think the most realistic expectation is what Armando outlined and hopefully a progression into Steve Smith as a previous blogger illustrated. Hopefully, Ted Ginn won't be Cam's Yatil Green.

Hey I'm still waiting for last years first round pick to shine. As a matter of fact I think we're also waiting for the year before that to shine. It will be a while before we see if he's more than just a returner and in my opinion I think he is.

The dolphins have no desperate need of throwing Ginn to the wolves so early in his career...We have speed and experience at WR right now...With Chambers, Kelly Cambel and Az-Hakim..Two big possesion Wr's in M.Booker and Hagan...So no need to rush..Let him learn a little...Keep his legs fresh cause u know with that mighty Defense Ginn will see alot of punts...So good field position with Ginn's returns and a strong running game, with a Quick passing attack...Im sure we will be fine...We cant expect one guy to come in as a rookie and dominate...Over time Ginn will be used wisely and he will become a star...In Reggie Bushs' first half of his rookie season i think he only scored one TD...Im sure it wont take long for Ginn to compete with that stat...They say speed kills, but with no knowledge u have no direction...Work smarter not harder... ~Go dolphins~

"he comes from a good family so who cares if he is worthless as a receiver"...true, so if Ginn sucks or is so so, we can always get his dad or mom to ply for him and save his ass. get ready for another crappy year for the dolphins. you fans are living in the past of the glory days. pick a new favorite team and move on, I did.

The great Can Cameron's only success as a head coach: "Cameron returned to his alma mater to serve as the head coach for Indiana University in 1997 - a position he held through 2001 where he compiled a record of 18-37. Despite his team's struggles, Cameron helped quarterback Antwaan Randle El develop into a 2001 first-team All-American [3]..." Get ready for another playoff-less year for the dolphins. i think the real problem with this team is not the players or the coaches, but the owner who picks terrible head coaches. i guess we are stcuck with wayne. can a owner be fired by the fans?

A litle bit about one of the dolphins past coaches "He currently holds the NFL record for most career wins with 328 and is one of the most highly regarded and well respected coaches of all-time." You might remember him, Don Shula. so why did wayne force Shula to retire? oh yeah so he could hire a bunch of losers!!! thanks wayne.

The Cam Cameron firing started rolling with the pick and it picked up speed when he compared him to desmond howard. The Ginn pick is already labeled a bust and he hasn't even put on the pads. I see him in the same mold as roscoe parrish, and that doesn't have me excited.

...some of you crack me up. Always gloom and doom. As a born Hoosier I can tell you that IU is a hoops school...Period. You could hire the Tuna, and we'd still suck at football. The best recruits go to Michigan, OSU, ND, and Penn State...not IU. Don't fault Cam for having troubles there.

As for Ginn...he reminds me a LOT of Moss. If you'll remember they said Moss was too skinny and would have trouble getting off the line...remember? True that Moss is 3" taller, but both have LONG strides that make them look like they're going slower than they really are which makes would be tacklers and coverage guys take the wrong angles. They also both catch the ball "effortlessly". Moss just has the height advantage. I also really like the Steve Smith analogy, but he strides more like Moss. Oh, and has one other big difference from Moss...character!

Sure there's a chance he turns out to be a reach, but there's just as good a chance he turns out worth it IMO.

Just remember one big point...you can teach routes...you can teach getting off the line. You CAN'T teach world class speed, and "effortless" hands. Just ask Troy Williamson about the hands part!

All the way from spain...i´m a phin from the bottom of my heart and i´m feeling this draft class will be great. Ginn is just a rocket... if he does what i´ve seen in the youtube video, hes a great pick. As said before inmediate help and will give great field position if well returned or even TD´s!!

Armando brother i read you religiosamente(spanish) and i just dont understand you some times...i guess you are a mad fan with what i think cam is doing great!

yeah i guess don't blame the head coach for on 18 wins in 4 years @ IU. let the excuses begin for Cameron. my prediction for the new season: dolphins start out at 0-4 and don't win until they play houston.

Ted Ginn is the Gerald Ford of football. the man can't even celebrate a TD without busting his ankle. i hope he can make it in the NFL and maybe make it through pre-game warm ups w/o an injury. oh yeah, but the fins didn't just draft him they drafted his family. talk about favoritism and obvious sucking up to a family and friends. i wonder what relationship Cam and Mr Ginn really have? :0

Labeling Ginn as a (returner) is ridiculous.U act like he only played special teams through college.Unlike Hester he actually has a position to play on the field outside of special teams.To pass judgment on this kid based on a few quotes given by Cam Cameron in the months of may and june is ludacris and lazy.

i think what the fan base in miami is quickly learning before the season has started or a single game has been played is that the mueller and cameron combination is bloody awful. simple stated meulerr should have been fired as scheduled and cameron is not of head coach caliber (just offesive coach if that). the obvious is just that, if it stinks now just imagine when the season starts and the fins are losing 3 out of 4 games as usual. unfortunatly we will have to suffer through at least 2-3 seasons of this crap before our sub-standard owner will admit he made another bad decision and hire another Shula to save this sinking francise. see you at the bottom of the afc eastern division...as usual.

Hey True Miami Fan, why don't you shut the f*** up you idiot. How many times can you drop the f bomb in one paragraph? Learn more adjectives you dumb ass. Also, learn how to spell the words of the English language..."Nick Saban came in and everyone sucked his cocked including me." -10 for spelling. "I think it's time to give the REIGNS to an offensive minded coach." -10 spelling. I think you should start complaining to your high school English teacher. You are still sucking, only now it's Cameron's chain.

Chooch in Ottawa: While the previous blogger was quite crass about it...I'm inclined to agree with his point. It's been a rough road for the dolphins for a while. Give the new management team time to see if their way will work. I was as shocked as any that Quinn was not selected. I'm also a little underwhelmed to see CPep dumped before we see what he can do healthy. That being said, Cameron has been successful with quarterbacks. If he thinks Green and Beck make more sense than Quinn and CPep, I'll let it play out. I hope for a better season than last year. Movement in the right direction. I don't think many feel we will be competing for a super bowl for a while.Unfortunately patience is still called for. Hang in there folks.By the way, Ginn was one of 5 or 6 guys I thought the Phins might target at 9. Enjoy what he brings. While we have some holes to fill...an upgrade to the return game has been needed for a long time.

If you look at the top players in this draft, and remove, a) the QBs,b) offensive linemen, and c) defensive players...or, in otherwards, just looked at the so-called "skill" players...then Ginn jumps out as the ONLY true game-changer.

Adrian Peterson is a workhorse back with average speed (and, like Ginn, serious injury concerns) and Lynch was a reach anywhere in the top 15. All the other receivers were big possession guys, like Bowe.

Ginn may be faster than any player in the league right now.

Here's a stat for you:

Ted Ginn had more TDs per touch (including rushes, receptions, and kick returns) then Reggie Bush.

Mandy: You're an idiot, can't even get your facts straight, Howard was No. 4 overall in 1992. I guess things like FACTS are too much to ask for a pompous sportswriter such as yourself. You're a hack, and a plump one at that, I've seen you in person at games. Go cover high school sports, that's the beat I'd give you if I were your boss.

I think we all need to lay off Armando for a while...he is obviously upset with the pick as were fans at the draft party...did we forget the boos? did we forget that Cam couldnt even talk after the selection of Ginn? where were you supportive fans when he made that pick? I must admit that I like Ginn, I think he will be a fine player for years to come, but I must look at the reality of all of this. This is about Brady Quinn and everyone knows it...Miami decided to pick Ginn and any other QB instead of Quinn and any other WR...Ginn will be fine, but the BIG picture as many of you elude is not about Ginn...it is about Beck vs Quinn....If Ginn plays great and Quinn plays great, but Beck doesn't in a few years, our draft will still be graded very low due to the fact that we passed up on Quinn....Armando makes fair points...this is the most shocking draft perhaps in a while...Lets just hope that Miami did not pull a "Houston Texans".

True Miami Fan: If you want to re-post your thoughts without the expletives, you are welcome to do that.

On another note, there are some really angry and envious souls on here. Remember, every word that rises in judgment against me, I will condemn. I didn't write that, by the way, it comes from a Higher source.

maybe the thing was that on draft day the front office really liked quinn and when the time came they asked the guy on the phone for Quinn but he understood Ginn and so we got a kick/punt return speciliast...

Man,if 2nd quessing and hating were Olympic sports,you'd all be in running for the Gold. You guys are like a woman that was cheated on so every guy that dates her now has to deal with the psycho drama. Cam and Mueller arent Saban or Wanns or Spielman. You guys loved Jimmy and gave him a free pass,and if anyone shouldve been 2nd quessed.....Also,Armando said he agrees with everything but cutting McMichael,so I dont get the hate he's getting here. Some guy said he'd put Armando on High School if he was his boss. Young man,its OK to dream,but master the fry cooker and drive thru before you work on being an editor.Of all the self proclaimed draft gurus on here criticizing the pick,only 1 person names a player Miami shouldve picked instead(Okoye). Miami needed offense and Okoye was also passed over by his college coach,so I cant fault Miami for passing on him. Plus,they have 2 young DTs they like,and Soliai in the 4th is a damn good player.On to Ginn,he had no troubles beating the press in mimi camp. Wes Welker isnt a big guy,and he managed to lead this team in receptions last year. Ginn is the same size as Eric Parker,who was the #2 WR in Cams offense. Neither of those guys are the game breaker Ginn is.

the thing about cam is that he seems to select player based off of personal loyalty... when the players you choose are basically so personal i tend to think that it would fail more so than succeed... as a dolphins fan i hope that cam and rm are making the right choices but i cant shake the feeling that they are making ALL the wrong moves.

Ginn had a few big plays in the mini camps on deep passes yet Armando didn't include that information. The guy will primarily help the team as a returner to start the season. Nothing wrong with that. He will be worked in more and more as the season goes as a WR and should provide some big plays. If we drafted Okoye he'd probably not contribute much this year as well. If we drafted Quinn he'd probably sit for a while, too, or just look bad while being rushed. If Ginn helps us win any games this year we should be happy with that. It's not about what he does his roookie year, its about his overall time with us. Armando stop beatin down on Ginn before the real camps even start. And i was watching NFL Network and the QB the guys were most physically impressed with? Derek Anderson (not Quinn).

Armando it really is starting to come across as personal dislike for Ginn. It's not that hard to help a guy deal with struggling to deal with a jam at the line since can put him in the slot or in motion. Plus if someone is playing tight on him he has the natural defense for that called killer speed. If someone misses a jam its over. Even if they get a good jam on him he's so explosive he can still beat the guy. It will just hurt in timing routes at first. Plus think about it, how many teams play press coverage? And how many teams have CBs that are good at playing press coverage? The Patriots do it and have the personnel to make it work. But the Jets do it and don't have the personnel to make it work yet. Why aren't you as hard on Chambers dropping passes or the numerous issues he has? Or on Booker? Or on Hagan? You could have given us some info on the mini camps instead you just decide to keep on attacking Ginn.

Frankly, I don't like much of what Mando says recently (I think since J Coles departure he's pretty full of himself frankly :-); but he does make a point here about press coverage. I watched that highlight video 3 times and not a single example of him facing press coverage.

That said, I've heard that the coaches are working almost exclusively facing press coverage this preseason, and I believe with his speed that breaking press is probably not going to be as difficult a skill to pick up as some seem to think. Seems people can't get past his size and therefore assume he'll never break press coverage.

I also think the fins didn't just draft a return specialist, they drafted the reciever with the most potential to come out in years. Again, it bears repeating you can't teach speed. He'll use it to break press, he'll use it to return kicks/punts and he'll use it to split the seem in zones like he did 6-7 times in that video.

He's promising, and is a potential gamechanger, and I think that's exactly what this franchise should be shooting for with a top 10 pick. F--- safe. I've seen lots of safe from the fins the past few years, lets get potential superhero; T. Ginn is a risk worth taking...especially since Beck is going to be outstanding (as long as he can get the ball past the o-line ala flutie).

"On another note, there are some really angry and envious souls on here. Remember, every word that rises in judgment against me, I will condemn. I didn't write that, by the way, it comes from a Higher source.

Holy smokes.....I said he was full of himself, but this looks a bit like a God complex!

Mando, isn't placing yourself on a similar plane w/ God blasphemy?

Oooooch...that's one of those "serious" sins. GL explaining Narcissism at the pearly gates churchboy.

I have to agree with whoever it was that said (and I'm paraphrasing here), "three-and-out from the 45 ain't much better than three-and-out from the 20"...I'm afraid that this is what we're in for this year. I hope I'm wrong and we see Messrs. Green, Brown, & company moving the ball more effectively than we have become accustomed to.

Armando – You were correct in your guess about Howard being the 4th overall pick. To label him a bust is somewhat harsh. He set NFL records as a returner. A Super Bowl MVP in 1996 does not spell ‘bust’ in my book. A bust is someone who never takes the field, never starts, or never contributes.

Ginn may be someone who learns faster than the average guy – bottom line is WE DON”T KNOW! In the meantime, he should be an incredibly exciting player to have on the field in whatever capacity this year. As a fan, I can’t wait to see him and I hope he shuts every detractor’s mouth and leaves every supporter’s gaping.

You asked for thoughts – I think Ginn has the potential to be a star. I hope he makes it BIG TIME.

"I have to agree with whoever it was that said (and I'm paraphrasing here), "three-and-out from the 45 ain't much better than three-and-out from the 20"...I'm afraid that this is what we're in for this year. I hope I'm wrong and we see Messrs. Green, Brown, & company moving the ball more effectively than we have become accustomed to."

This quote from anonymous @ 5:53 is really incredibly stupid.

First, you are assuming 3 and out as a regular staple. At this point this kind of negativity is without substance.

Secondly, a defense defending 45 yards as opposed to 20, is going to QUITE OBVIOUSLY (to those who have cognitive powers) be more successful. Would you rather kick a 62 yard field goal or a 37 yarder, genius?

sal-GARO drops the ball again. Just maybe they can use him to run a reverse, catch a screen pass, go deep (decoy or not), and if nothing else we have a guy who can bring fear into the hearts of the opposing D with that burning speed.

Miami fans are scree-ewed. All the sports writers, especially the ones at the Herald are hacks. They are so clueless and so talentless it's not even funny. My dog knows more football then Armandoooooo and his ilk.

Attention PJK: Your allusion to a fry cooker, I assume, is a reference to employment at a fast-food establishment. I assure you, I am not employed by a fast-food establishment. Mandy, on the other hand, must have stock in several fast-food establishments, since he obviously partakes in that type of cuisine quite often. Have you seen the girth Mandy is sporting lately? He is rivaled only by his journalistic rival up north, Alex Marvez. Well, at least Marvez is competent, he wouldn't so regularly inject religion into a blog about sports. What's the matter, Mandy, can't you articulate intelligent arguments when confronted by intelligent bloggers? Must you resort to religious ravings? And as for PJK, I assure you I am compensated quite well, and not by a fast-food establishment.

Ginn is just one part of building a team that can deliver sustained, good performance on the field.

Honestly, for the first time in years, I feel as though something constructive is being done for the future. I don't think anyone in their right mind can think of getting into the playoffs in the first year and anything past 1 and out in the second year would be a stretch.

But who cares? If the team progresses, plays good football and wins 9 games in 08 and 11 or 12 in 09 with a promising 2010 season, it will be a vast improvement over the past.

Let's face it, this team hasn't been managed very well in the last decade or so. Building a winning football franchise is different than selling used cars.

Maybe they just got lucky with Cameron and he is going to do a decent job, which is a lot more than his predecessor did.

It seems that Ginn could do well and make an impact in his primary position in the first season. Some of the other draft picks will also contribute and if the veretans do well, the team will have a winning season that can be repeated.

thanks but I'll pass, those 17 straight years of not missing a sunday school are gonna have to do. I've moved on.

As far as I'm concerned, just like the dark ages, religion is still the tool of the powerful to control the weak. Talk about weapon of mass destruction, replace all Bush's references to God with Allah and you end up with Mullah Omar (leader of the Taliban).

I was harsh on you though...apologies. I do think you're a little full of yourself since Cole left though :-)

Papapapa..papa..C'mon Armando! Enough already with the same ol' criticism on the Ginn pick. What? Can't you find another tree to bark on? Just because it's the offseason, it doesn't mean you have to keep on beating on a dead horse! Let CamRandy be judged on the football field!

It's been 2+ months & you still can't find anything else to blog about?! There are too many topics with the fins & around the league where you can elaborate on. Bring new material to the blog to keep your bloggers interested during this sad, boring, and putrid time. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. The end of July cannot be any sooner!

I think Ted Ginn was a smart pick. Of course we'll see how it fairs in the next few years. However, receivers rarely produce their first year in the NFL no matter where they were drafted. With Ginn's returning skills, he'll be able to contribute to the team right away while he's still developing as a receiver. Kick returning doesn't require the same amount of detail and precision that receiving requires.

I also think special teams are often overlooked. They can change the whole outlook of a game. No. 1, it's obvious it'll take a while for our offense to gel. With a strong return game, our offense will have to deal with a shorter field. So in a way he'll be contributing to the offense before the offense even takes a snap.

I don't think Ginn being a smaller receiver will hurt him at all in the NFL. In fact, it seems the smaller, speedier receivers are the ones thriving in the league right now with the likes of Steve Smith, Santana Moss, Lee Evans, etc. Worse case scenario, Ginn's speed will open up the field for everyone else. Chambers will garner less attention, teams won't be able to put 8 or 9 men in the box, it'll open the middle of the field for David Martin.

With all these points in mind, I feel Cameron/Mueller made the right pick. Ginn's speed and quickness is world class. That's something that can't be taught. With him on the field, there will always be a mismatch, and the NFL game is all about mismatches.

I agree with many of the comments on this post that look to the upside Ginn brings. A returner will get 5 to 8 touches per game, punts and kickoffs. That is a lot of touches, hey receivers only get 3 to 5 touches some games, 8 receptions is considered a lot in one game. So this guy will contribute right away with field position, which is huge. He will contribute as a receiver too, not by running crisp routes just yet, but with simple slants and straight runs downfield which will stretch the field, which will really help the running game. He may even get a reverse or two during a game to get him the ball. I hear he has very good hands, this is not a sprinter trying to be a receiver. If he stays injury free he will be a faster (much faster), quicker Welker, and nobody lamented Welker's size. Who's the best receiver in the game? 180lb Steve Smith. Size is overrated, Ginn may in the end not make it as a great receiver, but he has a legitimate shot at it. What he lacks in size is made up for in speed, good hands, and elusivesness. What the jury is out on is NFL level toughness, smarts and heart. Those will be the determining factors for his long term success. And only time will tell. Obvioulsy Cam thinks he has those intangables. We'll see. In the meantime, let's all get behind this guy and support him, he's on our team now.

Bottom line on all of this: The Dolphins had three pressing needs going into the draft - 1) QB of the future 2) Offensive Line 3) Defensive Backfield.

Ted Ginn fills none of these needs. They would have been significantly better served to either 1) trade down to get more picks, and be able to draft Michael Griffin/Reggie Nelson AND Joe Staley, thus filling two needs 2) pick Brady Quinn, who is way more talented than John Beck. Despite the fact that Cameron says he had Beck rated equal to Quinn, the truth is that Cameron wanted Ginn WAY BEFORE the individual workouts/scouting, etc. had been conducted. The Beck pick is going to be a case of "you get what you pay for". Cameron took Ginn and accepted the risk of taking Beck, who is almost universally considered an inferior QB prospect to Quinn, because he wanted Ginn so much. Hopefully we don't find out the hard way that making an investment in a more solid prospect (i.e.: Quinn) is worth giving up another top prospect that you like in a non-crucial position.

a lot has been said about the amount of touches he will get as a K/PR. Give some thought to tight games and ones where the fins trail, where the offense needs as much help as it can get.

Ted Ginn will not only do well for the fins in these situations, his forte will be right where it is needed. How many stellar K/PRs do the fins have, other than Ginn? How many decent receivers to they have? That should answer it. Let's see how he does and wish him well.

what makes more difference in a "tight game"...a better defense that can get stops, a strong QB who can lead us down the field, a better offensive line that will actually give our QB time to pass, or a kick-returner? any of the first three are obviously way more important than the fourth. and that is not even counting the fact that, if we had one of the first three, this would make us a stronger team and thus put us ahead/make sure we are not in as many "tight games"

Talk about disconcerning! Well, I never liked Cam when I found out that he took Ginn Jr. on the solace that Cam was "close" with his father, former pro football player. So, to be obvious and put 1 and 1 together, because Cam loves Ginn Sr., he feels compelled to take his son over the very top need on the phins list-QB. I hope everytime we talk about Cam, Brady Quinn makes his way into the conversation.

I love it how everybody seems to love Reggie Bush because he can run fast catch the ball and return kicks. But most of these same people (ESPN) make it sound like Ted Ginn can't do that. These people have their heads so far up the Patriots asses that they can't think for themselves and just go with whatever Mel Kiper Jr says even though he seems to be wrong about ebery single player every single year.

Before we throw Cameron into the pit for this decision, I would like everyone to know that Bill Belicheck was 5-11 in his first season in New England. Yes, even they almighty Bill Belicheck makes mistakes, and we don't even know if this is one.

"Bottom line on all of this: The Dolphins had three pressing needs going into the draft - 1) QB of the future 2) Offensive Line 3) Defensive Backfield."

Yeah right, and next year you'll be angry they didn't go the "best player available route".

A top ten pick in the draft should almost NEVER be need driven, unless a coach/gm had 2 players with identical ranking on their board and one filled a need. They really did a great job filling their needs in this draft. They got a very promising QB, a couple of promising linemen, one of which is already penciled as a starter, and a steal of a NT in the 4th round.

You just have to recognize as Cam and Randy did that defensive backfield was NOT a top 3 need, D-line was.

Anymouse @ 3:04 says, "Cameron took Ginn and accepted the risk of taking Beck, who is almost universally considered an inferior QB prospect to Quinn, because he wanted Ginn so much. Hopefully we don't find out the hard way that making an investment in a more solid prospect (i.e.: Quinn) is worth giving up another top prospect that you like in a non-crucial position."Both Cameron (a recognized expert as a QB evaluator and developer) and Terry Shea (who worked with Quinn longer than anyone before the draft) decided that Beck was equal to, or better than Quinn.

Could they be wrong? Of course! Could they be correct? Of course! Just because Quinn was considered 'almost universally' a more solid prospect; it doesn't MAKE him one. Time will tell; in the meantime, we get a great kick returner who might develop into a really serious receiving threat as well.

I, for one, am really going to enjoy watching all this unfold. I think we'll field a much improved offense capable of scoring more than 16 points a game. If you don't think an exciting kick return can ignite a team, ask anybody; if you don't think field position is crucial, ask a coach.

By the way, as I've mentioned previously, Desmond Howard may not have benefited the Redskins the way they anticipated, but being a Super Bowl MVP for the Packers is a long way from being a 'bust' player.

Not to belabor the point, but, Desmond Howard has been referred to as a bust by Armando and others. I thought it might be interesting to pursue this a little further.

Here is a comparison which few have thought to make:

Let’s take a pretty decent receiver, say, Jerry Rice. Over a 19 year career he averaged about 1240 yards per year. Howard, as a ‘mere’ return man, averaged 1105 offensive yards in his 11 year career. This is a bust? This statistic kind of puts the value of a returner into perspective, doesn’t it?

Cameron's biggest problem in discussing Ginn Jr. is that he vastly over-rates the average football intelligence of most fans and ALL local Dolphins beat writers.

Cam obviously thinks that most everyone knows what HE knows: That almost all rookie WR's (yes, even those chosen in the top ten of the draft overall) usually take time to develop into good NFL receivers.

While there are a few exceptions, the evidence is there on young WR's to be viewed by anyone. Most take at least a year to become productive, and some take several years.

1.) Like all rookie WR's, Ted Ginn Jr. will take some time to develop and learn how to be a WR in the NFL.

BUT...

2.) UNLIKE most other rookie WR's, Ted Ginn Jr. will be able to contribute IMMEDIATELY to this Miami Dolphins team as a return specialist.

Apparently, to the ignorant masses (and those whose job it should be to impart the above information to the masses), that sounds like the Dolphins drafted a return specialist with the #9 overall pick.

To anyone with a brain however, it sounds like the Dolphins got the consensus #2 Wide Receiver in the entire draft... and one who (despite the poor production record of almost all drafted WR's their first year) can contribute greatly to this team from the first moment he steps on the field.

You've heard a statement of statistical fact. In terms of offensive yards gained, the numbers quoted are an indication that a good returner is a valuable commodity. If you don't believe the quoted statistic, look it up.

What is the point of your comment? My point was to illustrate that Desmond Howard was not a bust. Your non-sequitur does not detract from my point.

Honig, my point is you are an idiot. To say Desmond Howard lived up to his draft status as the fourth overall pick is ignorant to the point of retardation. To compare him with Jerry Rice, who happens to be perhaps the best receiver of all time and a certain HOFer is further proof you need to be in a rubber room.

"Anonymous said... Honig, my point is you are an idiot. To say Desmond Howard lived up to his draft status as the fourth overall pick is ignorant to the point of retardation. To compare him with Jerry Rice, who happens to be perhaps the best receiver of all time and a certain HOFer is further proof you need to be in a rubber room."

4:23 PM

You're inability to grasp simple language has made you hysterical. I merely made the point that Desmond Howard was not a bust. He was a great returner and has the yardage to prove it. Since he made most of his yards as a return man, I would not compare him to Rice. What I did was compare their production in terms of OFFENSIVE YARDS GAINED PER YEAR to give an example of what a good return man can mean to a team. Is that simple enough for you to understand? If not, I would be delighted to return your ad hominem attack in like manner.

Hey Armando, I know this is a little off topic but I think that goes hand in hand with responses to your blogs, anyways, I was wondering what the Dolphins think about Satele. I feel like Kalil was/is the better player and we just happened to miss out on him by 1 pick. So did they have him as high as Kalil or did they miss out?

STOP! rationalizing this pick, IT WAS A HOrrible pick, but as dolphan I hope it works out & he has many TD's on special teams this yr. I admitted to wanting Culppeper over brees last yr, & bit the bullet on that one, but I wont on this one, Ginn was & still is high 2nd round pick @ best NOT a #9 overall.

Ginn may have been a reach at 9 but I think Cameron was drafting per the unit rather than for the individual player. We have already seen that Cameron takes special teams seriously with some of his off season moves and I think with an unproven offense, he is trying to put them into the best field position possible to succeed.

I may not be crazy about the selection but I like Cameron's approach to the team.

I think this is all a bunch of horsecrap....Look at the guy play and then judge the pick.. From seeing him in college, I think it's far beyond obvious that this guy has special skills on the feild. He reminds me of Barry Sanders and Reggie Bush, the way he makes guys miss and his speed is unreal... Later you'll feel dumb for questioning the pick

This Ginn Jr is way more then Desmond Howard-do your homework Mando. he burned the top college corners when he played WR for Ohio State. Getting young , fast , team players , td scoring threats.. how can u argue with that. At least you will never read about a Ms Pacman or Tank Johnson crap with this guy. Your football knowlege is non existant and it shows.

Remember the great returners: Devon Hester, Tamerick Vanover, Billy White Shoes Johnson, Wes Welker, and Dante Hall. How many Super Bowls have they won? ZERO.These guys are fun to watch 6 or 7 plays a game, but they do not win games. They simply do not affect outcomes. Cam Cameron should be fired immediately for wasting our 1st draft pick.

this is really simple the guy can score at any given moment. did u see wat he did at the national championship game? devin hester was not as good a returner in college as ginn was. Now as for his wide reciever skills, it'll take time but i would rather wait and let him return kicks, than have brady quinn sitting on my bench doing nothing but holdin field goals.

I hope Ginn pays off and stays healthy. The healthy part is what worries me. The opening play of the BCS he returns the kick off and doesnt get touch by one gator. Yet he managed to mess up his ankle. It should concern any person when a player gets hit with out physically being touched. I do not doubt his return abilities. The guys got speed but can he keep himself healthy

As someone who has watched Ginn play from high school, through his days as a Buckeye, he is without question a very special talent. Does he run the most precise routes....no, but that can be worked on. What he does have is very good hands, great vision and the ability to accelerate into the open field like no other player I've seen in college football. The Dolphins have lacked a true deep threat since the days of the Marks Brothers. Give him a chance to shine.....he'll win more games for the Dolphins than Brady (I can't win a big game" Quinn will ever achieve for the hapless Browns. Quinn was NOT the second coming of Marino, but more likely the scond coming of Tim Couch. Go Teddy...Go Phins!!

Let's not forget that, had Quinn not been available, nobody would have questioned this pick. He was the unanimous second best reciever in the draft, and considering what Cam was able to do with projects like Antonio Gates, I think we should give Ginn a chance. Besides, has anyone noticed just how terrible Quinn has looked in the Browns minicamps?

OK Mando: I need something new and exciting to read. this blog is 3weeks old, come-on, need new info on the Dolphins, vacation is over, right? My opinion on Evans, OK he has a little tenacity, dont we, the Dolphins that is, need that? Bad move on Cams part.

About this blog

Armando Salguero has covered South Florida sports for 25 years, starting as a 19-year-old in 1982. He's covered the Dolphins since 1990 and hosts a Dolphins hour show every weeknight 7-8 on 790 TheTicket (790theticket.com). He has worked nationally for ESPN and also writes sports columns for The Miami Herald.